This is ATIO's response to our petition. The statement is full of contradictions and misleading statements. It looks like the purpose of this statement is to defend their position and gloss over the facts rather than genuinely seek to find a solution to their dilemma. Please have a look: STATEMENT FROM ATIO CONCERNING PETITION Ottawa, June 23, 2015 – The President of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO), Lisa Carter, C.Tran., issued the following statement today concerning the petition being circulated by Candidates for certification: “The Board of Directors of ATIO has made concerted efforts to respond to the concerns raised by a small number of Candidates who have now posted an online petition. Issues concerning the examination process have been brought to the attention of CTTIC, the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council. CTTIC is responsible for preparing and marking the national standardized examinations. This is not under ATIO's purview. Nevertheless, we have and will continue to consult with CTTIC regarding all concerns raised. CTTIC President, Ms. Golnaz Aliyarzadeh, C. Tran., C. Court Int., has clarified, 'Our Board of Examiners reviews exam texts, marking guidelines and procedures, and trains markers on an ongoing basis. [This is done] in order to ensure that the examination process remains fair and of the highest standards, ensuring the public is protected when they use the services of a Certified member of one of the provincial associations.' Both ATIO and CTTIC offer several options to clarify and address candidate examination concerns. These include the following measures: to appeal examinations and have a third-party review, to take an examination preparatory course or pursue certification via the long-established On Dossier process instead of the examination. Unfortunately, Candidates do not always avail themselves of those options. It is disappointing that these Candidates have instead chosen to file a petition calling for the abolition of ATIO and/or unspecified ‘reforms’ to replace the standards and processes that ensure public confidence in the quality of our members’ work. Apart from criticizing the certification process, the overall thrust of the petition is that Candidates do not have the same rights and benefits as certified members. Our structure is similar to most provincial organizations across the country. That said, any change to ATIO's membership structure would require the vote of all members as provided for in our By-Laws. Such a possibility can indeed be studied by a committee, proposed and voted on accordingly. We have met with many Candidates about the issues raised and will continue to do so, in order that every avenue within reason is pursued and their concerns can be thoroughly explored in a constructive manner. In the meantime, should any of ATIO’s members or stakeholders have any questions concerning this matter, I would welcome an opportunity to discuss it with them personally.” -30-